Ford Endeavour 2019: Hits & Misses

The 2019 Ford Endeavour has left a majority of us impressed as a full-size SUV. But not without its own share of misses. Let’s list them out for you

The mildly updated Ford Endeavour 2019 is priced between Rs 28.19 lakh and Rs 32.97 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Ford Endeavour was already an impressive product in its segment and the mild updates only improve upon it. You can read our first drive review to know what it’s like to drive. But all’s not rosy and it’s still lacking in some areas. Here’s a quick look at what it gets right and things that could have been better:

Things we like about the 2019 Ford Endeavour:

Loaded with features: With a price tag nearing the Rs 30 lakh mark, one expects their car to be well equipped and the Ford ticks more than enough boxes especially if you buy the top variant. It gets a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a terrain management system with lockable differentials and low-range gearbox options for off-road abilities, power-folding third-row seats, semi-autonomous parking assist and Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system with the 8-inch touchscreen display and then some.

Space: There’s no mistaking that the Endeavour is a big SUV. In most proportions, it’s bigger than its main rival, the Toyota Fortuner. As a result, it’s quite spacious too and that feeling of space is enhanced thanks to the beige and black interiors. The Endeavour is capable of accommodating seven adults, making it an ideal family car for some.

Safety: The Endeavour not only looks tough, but feels like it too. Its build quality continues to be a big plus and inspires confidence in the passengers. This confidence is further aided by an expansive list of safety features such as seven airbags, front and rear sensors, hill hold assist, traction control, ESP and more.

Things that could have been better in the 2019 Ford Endeavour:

Ride quality: The big Ford seems tuned to be its best with a full load of passengers. With a lighter load, just one or two people onboard for instance, the ride becomes a bit bouncy.

Ergonomic Issues: Ford made the third-row seats power folding, but for some reason didn’t design the second-row seats to tumble forward. This makes getting in and out of the last row a bit tedious. As a seven-seat SUV, this is definitely an aspect of the Endeavour that could have been better especially when compared to the Fortuner. It doesn’t offer telescopic steering adjustment either and while it’s not strenuous to find the perfect seating position (8-way power-adjustable driver seat), it would have been nicer to have that option.

Drivetrain options: The Endeavour is offered with two diesel engines - a 2.2-litre unit and a 3.2-litre unit. The smaller unit now comes with a 6-speed manual as well as the 6-speed auto which is offered on the bigger engine as well. The automatic transmission feels lazy in responding to driver inputs and perhaps the larger 3.2-litre engine that comes with the 4x4 drivetrain should have also been offered with a manual gearbox. That would have made the 2019 Endeavour that extra bit of fun.